Flexible pipe joint

Abstract

A flexible pipe joint capable of joining connecting portions of connected objects such as pipes to each other while permitting the direction of joining between both to be varied as desired. First and second joint members (11,31) are formed with spherical inner surfaces (13,37) which slidably contact spherical outer surfaces (54,56) on an interpolating member (51) located between the joint members. Thus, the interpolating member (51) is rockable relative to the joint members (11,31) about the centre of each of the spherical outer surfaces (54,56). Press rings (16,40) are arranged to keep both spherical outer (54,56) and inner (13,37) surfaces in contact with each other through bearing balls (23,47).

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by letters patent of the United States is: 
     
       1. A flexible pipe joint for joining two connected objects comprising; a first joint member formed with a first flow passage, and a first part-spherical inner surface of a predetermined diameter in the region of one end, the other end being adapted to be connected directly or indirectly to one of the connected objects; a second joint member formed with a second flow passage, and a second part-spherical inner surface of a predetermined diameter in the region of one end, the other end being adapted to be connected directly or indirectly, to the other of the connected objects;   an interpolating member formed with an intermediate flow passage which communicates with the first and second flow passage in the first and second joint members in the interpolating member having first and second part-spherical outer surfaces formed at respective ends each having a diameter suitable to permit the first and second spherical outer surfaces to make a rockable and slidable contact with the first and second spherical inner surfaces respectively; and   first restraining means comprising a first ring fixed to the first joint member and including a first ball bearing which engages the first spherical outer surface, and a second restraining means comprising a second ring fixed to the second joint member and including a second ball bearing which engages the second spherical outer surface, in which the first and second restraining means act to keep the first and second spherical outer surfaces in slidable contact with the first and second spherical inner surfaces, respectively such that said first, second and intermediate flow passage can selectively be in axial alignment or adjusted relative to said axial alignment.   
     
     
       2. A flexible pipe joint as defined in claim 1, wherein one form of each pair of engaging inner and outer spherical surfaces is provided with a sealing groove in which a packing is housed. 
     
     
       3. A flexible pipe joint as defined in claim 1, further comprising a flexible fit-on member arranged to cover the outer periphery of the interpolating member and to connect first and second joint members to each other. 
     
     
       4. A flexible pipe joint as defined in claim 3, wherein said fit-on member is connected to the first and second rings. 
     
     
       5. A flexible pipe joint for relatively flexibly joining connected objects whose connecting portions incorporate a male member and a female member for plug-in one-touch connection defined in claim 1, wherein said first joint member directly or indirectly incorporates a female member or a male member in correspondence to a male member or a female member on the respective connected object, and said second joint member directly or detachably incorporates a male member or a female member in correspondence to a female member or a male member on the other respective connected object.